Candle protection

[savethebeer]

I did not want to ask this question because it would be mentioning Christmas whilst it is still August but Dave has broken that duck.

I have 4 Schwibbogen [German candle arches] ready to make with a front and a rear face, with a battery operated set of lights on the back of the front face. However I'm thinking of adding in a real candle or two on each. I have brass candle holders which have flat bases so these will sit flat on the wood base. My question is does anyone know what I can use to prevent the wood scorching if someone was to let the candle burn right down.

Bob

[WayneMahler]

In the past I used real candles. I got thinking about the liability issues with them and switched to the flickering LED ones. I have done a few Schibbogens and only use the battery led lights. They do a great job on lighting it up too. 

[Scrappile]

Boy, I would be skeptical about real candles in those.  I like Wayne's idea lot the flickering LEDs.  Please post picture of yours when you finish them.  I love Schwibbogens.  Have made one and have patterns for many more.

[edward]

I use Miniture lights, comes in a pack of 20 or 10 they are called rice lights, check out Sue Meys site on where to get them.  edward

[SCROLLSAW703]

I wouldn't use a real candle. I started out using real candles in our Christmas tea lights, & for to worryin to much about folks lack of respect for fire to wood. So I ordered some battery operated tea lights. Just as much light, alot less worry, and they upped the sale of the tea lights!

[Rockytime]

Hi Brad, what are tea lights and where to get them?

[SCROLLSAW703]

Hello Mr. Les.

Tea lights are a small candle about the diameter of a 50 cent piece, and about a 1/2'' deep, usually in a small tin. Some aren't. They can be had at hobby lobby, walmart, a candle shop, any place in the mall that sells candles. Especially around the holidays. We ordered our battery operated tea lights out of one of Mary Anns' hobby magazines. We got like 30 or so for $10. I still have some in the shop. I feel a lot safer with them in our tea light projects than a live candle. I always give folks the option of the battery type light, or them purchasing their own candle, and explain to them why we chose the battery type lights. Most folks understand our reasoning behind it, others are stuck on the traditional candle. And I explain the hazards of wood and fire to them, and also, in the past, I have had a couple customers even try to make me replace their project because it caught on fire using a candle. I relieved myself of those responsibilities when they bought the project with the choice of the battery type lite or without one. 

[jerry1939]

Decades ago there was a really nice family living in our small Iowa town.  On the day of their daughters wedding, just before leaving for Church, one of the parents decided to go to the bathroom for a # 2.  When finished, a candle was lit to get rid of the smell.  As the family attended Church, their house was totaled by fire.

To this day, I have more fear of an innocent looking little candle flame that I would have a momma bear protecting her cubs.

jerry